Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:31 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
The Lunar New Year is an essential holiday in many Asian countries, including China. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar calendar follows the moon’s cycle, with each month starting on the new moon. The Lunar New Year celebrates this calendar’s new beginning, which also introduces the next zodiac animal in the 12-year cycle. According to Chinese astrology, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and the Royal Canadian Mint released a new coin design to commemorate it. Keep reading to learn more about the impressive designs.
Lunar Year of the Dragon Coins Released in the 2024 Collection
Every year, the Royal Canadian Mint releases a unique design inspired by the Lunar New Year. In 2024, the Chinese Zodiac Dragon coin will join the collection.
Several versions of this coin will be available in a range of price points, ensuring every collector can find an option that suits their interests and budget. Each coin bears an illustration of a Chinese dragon front and center, which features a long, snake-like body.
- $8 Lunar Year of the Dragon Fine Silver: This silver $8 coin weighs 7.96 grams and comes in a gorgeous red sleeve illustrated with a golden Chinese dragon.
- $100 1/2 oz. Pure Gold Coin: This coin bears a brilliant design by Simon Ng and is 99.99% pure gold.
The above two coin designs show the dragon’s full profile and feature cherry blossoms, which symbolize new beginnings. Each coin also bears the Chinese symbol for “dragon;” the $100 coin positions it at the top, inside a frame, while the $8 coin places it on a traditional Chinese lantern.
- $250 Silver Kilo Coin: Aries Cheung designed the reverse of this coin, which is 99.99% pure silver.
- $2,500 Pure Gold Kilo Coin: The most expensive of this collection, this coin weighs 1,006 grams and has a diameter of 102.1 mm.
These two coins share an image, which faces forward and carries a Dragon Pearl, an item from Chinese folklore. In the story, the dragon pearl multiplies whatever it touches, allowing a boy and his mother to prosper. Eventually, the boy swallows the Dragon Pearl, which transforms him into a dragon. With his newfound form and power, he protects the land from drought and famine.
The Dragon Pearl bears Yan script calligraphy with the Chinese character for “dragon.”
What Is the History Behind the Iconic Dragon in Chinese Culture?
Did you know that out of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the dragon is the most fascinating? Unlike the other creatures, dragons are purely mythical and are often associated with incredible power.
In Chinese mythology, dragons are wise and often take it upon themselves to help humans, even to their own detriment. They are symbols of authority, good fortune, wisdom and yang, the male half of the yin-yang philosophy that presents the universe as balanced between opposing forces.
Due to the dragon’s significance in Chinese culture, many consider those born in the Year of the Dragon blessed with special gifts and good luck. Individuals born in this astrological year also supposedly have the following traits:
- Charismatic
- Intelligent
- Powerful
Find More Chinese Lunar Coins at Colonial Acres
At Colonial Acres Coins, we are proud to provide you with the 2024 Lunar Year of the Dragon coins and more Zodiac coins at your fingertips. Not only will you get the satisfaction of owning collectible coins with innate value, but you can also feel great about knowing that it is an esteemed purchase to be enjoyed for decades to come.
We are sure our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions or inquiries and help you find the absolute best coin collection available. Visit us in-store or online to view our selection of coins at Colonial Acres Coins today.
